Amanda Knox Verdict: Public Response to Acquittal

Public Takes to Twitter and Facebook to Express Thoughts on Knox's Acquittal

Amanda Knox, the U.S. student convicted of murdering her British flatmate Meredith Kercher in Italy in November 2007, arrives in court for her appeal trial session in Perugia October 3, 2011. A verdict is due on Monday.

The international community has reacted with an array of emotions concerning the acquittal of Amanda Knox, announced just an hour ago from Perugia, Italy, where the case has faced global media coverage for the past four years.

Knox and her Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were being tried for the murder of Knox’s English roommate, Meredith Kerchner. Knox originally received a sentence of 26 years, and Sollecito 25 years. Both were acquitted in Italian appeals court today.

The court announced that the DNA evidence was not sufficient enough to convict Knox of murder. The court did convict her for the lesser charges of defamation, but she has already served more than enough time over the past four years for those charges.

Public outcry concerning Knox’s acquittal began the minute she left the courthouse. Some of those gathered applauded, while other booed, shouting “disgrace” and “shame.”

Family members and lawyers of Knox celebrated in the courtroom, shaking hands, crying and hugging.

"We are thankful that our nightmare is over. She has suffered for four years for a crime she did not commit,” Deanna Knox told reporters on the steps of the courthouse, moments after her sister’s innocence was announced.

Within 10 minutes of announcing the verdict, 297 people commented on MSN’s Facebook page regarding Knox’s innocence. Although some disagreed with the jury, most comments were expressing relief that justice was served and peace towards Amanda and her family:

“Yes, they got it right this time. God bless them and their families,” commented Sharon Warren.

Others continue to express doubt: “Don’t know what to say! It’s still baffling me, who knows,” said Samir Samura.

Similarly, followers of the case took to Twitter airwaves to express their concern.

“Even though I know virtually nothing about the case, it seems Amanda Knox really got off lightly with being cleared of murder,” tweeted Jacob_Prichard.